All you need to know about wedding invitations

Guest list

First of all, you'll want to finalise your guest list before creating and sending invitations. If you're not sure of an address, contact the traveller to confirm. Make sure you have the exact addresses of all the guests so that no invitations get lost in the post!

Timetable

You'll want to send wedding invitations 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding date. For destination weddings or holiday events, consider sending them earlier. If you're planning to invite international guests, you'll want to send them your invitations as early as possible. Hopefully they will have received a reserved date and will therefore already be ready to attend.

Design

Choose a design that complements the overall theme of your wedding. Remember to buy matching personalised stamps. Pro tip: plan ahead and start thinking about your thank you notes. It's a good idea to prepare them to be sent shortly after the wedding. It's even better to match them to your invitations.

Use inner and outer envelopes for a more formal invitation. The inner envelope contains the names of those invited, while the outer envelope contains the postal address.

What information should be included on wedding invitations?

There is a lot of crucial information to include in your invitation. Start with the basics:

• Names of the couple
• Place name
• Date and time of ceremony
• The address the location of the ceremony and the reception (if there are two different locations)
• Details of the dress codeif applicable (e.g. "smart casual")
• The response deadline so that your guests can confirm their presence (RSVP).
• Accommodation details if you have booked rooms for your guests or if they have to find their own accommodation

Don't forget to include a note specifying whether or not you accept children, or if you prefer guests not to bring gifts.

 Wedding invitation etiquette

Wedding invitation etiquette is an important subject to consider. Here are a few basic rules:

• Include all names on the envelope: if a guest comes with a +1, mention their name if you know it.
• Send invitations to each household or family, not individually (unless one person lives alone).
• Be clear about who is invited: for example, specify whether children are invited or not.

Tip: You can create a wedding website to provide additional information (such as table plans, logistical organisation, etc.) and avoid overloading your invitation.

 Should I send digital or printed invitations?

With the rise in popularity of eco-friendly weddings, some people are choosing to send digital invitations to limit paper use and costs. However, paper invitations are still the norm for most weddings, as they add a more solemn, personal touch.

If you opt for a digital invitation, make sure it is elegant and in keeping with the theme of your wedding. There are online platforms for creating sophisticated, customisable digital invitations.

How do I manage responses (RSVP)?

Make sure you include a clear method for your guests to respond. Traditionally, a reply card was enclosed with a stamped envelope, but today many couples prefer to use their wedding website to manage confirmations.

Set a clear deadline for receiving replies, ideally 2 months before the wedding, so that you can finalise preparations with your caterer and suppliers.

Personalised wedding invitations

To add a personal touch to your invitations, you can include :

• A handwritten note to each guest.
• A photo of the couple or a personalised illustration.
• A wax seal to close envelopes (very trendy!).

The Plus-One

You'll need to make it clear if your guest is allowed to bring a plus-one. Include a space on the RSVP for your guest to indicate who they will be bringing.

Map and accommodation

Include a map or directions to the location. Where appropriate, provide information about nearby accommodation with details of the

reservation.

Double and triple checking

Check the invitation carefully for errors. It's always a good idea to have someone else review it to make sure all the details are correct. Invitations take a lot of work - you don't want all that time and effort to go to waste. Also, check that you have the correct postage for each invitation, especially for invitations travelling internationally.

If you really want to make sure they reach the intended recipients, hand-deliver invitations to local guests wherever possible. Bonus: it adds a personal touch and is quite endearing.

Follow-up

Follow up with guests who have not responded by the RSVP deadline and keep good records of RSVPs and any dietary restrictions or special requests. This ensures an accurate headcount for catering, seating arrangements and finalising arrangements with suppliers.

Now that you know everything you need to know about wedding invitations, you're unstoppable! And by paying attention to these details, you'll ensure that your wedding invitations are not only beautiful, but also informative and functional, helping your guests prepare for and enjoy your special day.

Conclusion

Wedding invitations are a key element in the preparation of your big day. They set the mood and style of your event and are the first formal contact with your guests. By taking care to choose a careful design, include all the essential information and respect the deadlines, you're putting all the chances on your side that your guests will be perfectly prepared. Whether you opt for paper or digital invitations, remember that every detail counts in making your wedding unforgettable!

Photo credits @catalin.vv - @franzladouce